My niece is posting these comments about "this is what I did today, how was your day?" Some of her comments are almost trivial, although they do make a statement. Today, I responded as follows:
A was instrumental in resolving a conflict in management procedures for patients housed on one of my pods at work. When I went to work this morning, I really did not have any tasks to do today, but as this situation evolved, I knew that was why I went to work today! Being a social worker is like that.
I did not include that, as it happened the mothers of two of those clients called to check on them today. It was nice to be able to assure their mothers that they were being treated in the most humane and appropriate way we could in a prison!
And, I did not add, that this week, I met with a patient who has been struggling with values of self-worth. He is not the only patient I saw this week who heard my comments about "you have value because you are you, because you exist. That it does not matter what you do, what your crime is, what your sentence is or what your relationships are. You have value because you are you. You have value to me, because you are a human being. My job is to help you to continue to be so you can grow your value for you."
Another patient I saw this week repeated back to me that he understood what I said about feeling good about giving 100%. That 100% varies from day to day, some days is lower and some days is higher, but on any given day, you give 100%. And you can appreciate yourself for always giving 100%. This patient said he did not believe the coping skills I suggested would help him, but he did them anyway, and he was surprised by the help he received!
And, I met with a patient who was eager for help, and ready to try anything! He said he tried the suggestion we gave him to improve his sleep, and it did! He studied the stress management, relaxation and anger management materials he was given, and he realized that he did not have to solve his problems with verbal arguments and physical fights.
Okay, so a couple of weeks ago, I basically chastised several patients who really do not need hospitalization, have done nothing to help themselves, and are taking up beds needed by sicker patients. I told them that my vote for treatment team was discharge.
Since then, I have seen an increase in requests to review the self-help therapy materials we distribute. And an increase in these kind of positive comments.
And, before I did the chastising, one of the patients in that category told me he was working on the materials (on my dare) and was surprised that it helped!
So, these patients might be "blowing smoke" at me, and not really buying into the self help program we provide. But even if they are "faking it till they make it" they are getting something out of the program.
This is why I do what I do. Many of my colleagues who have been at the facility where I have worked almost 20 years, many who have been there less, talk regularly about the fact that they cannot wait to be eligible for retirement. Many admit to being burned out. Some often ask me how I keep fresh after almost 20 years, and I tell them it is my commitment to do 100% at whatever level that is, and the satisfaction that gives me that keeps me going. And, I acknowledge that I have my highs and lows, and need breaks and need to be revitalized. But I take revitalization in the small things.
I admit that there are other things, than work, that I want to do in life, but that is what annual leave is for. When I get this kind of feedback from my patients, and even my colleagues that I was instrumental in helping them, I know I am doing what I need to do to be helping mankind, one person at a time.
A was instrumental in resolving a conflict in management procedures for patients housed on one of my pods at work. When I went to work this morning, I really did not have any tasks to do today, but as this situation evolved, I knew that was why I went to work today! Being a social worker is like that.
I did not include that, as it happened the mothers of two of those clients called to check on them today. It was nice to be able to assure their mothers that they were being treated in the most humane and appropriate way we could in a prison!
And, I did not add, that this week, I met with a patient who has been struggling with values of self-worth. He is not the only patient I saw this week who heard my comments about "you have value because you are you, because you exist. That it does not matter what you do, what your crime is, what your sentence is or what your relationships are. You have value because you are you. You have value to me, because you are a human being. My job is to help you to continue to be so you can grow your value for you."
Another patient I saw this week repeated back to me that he understood what I said about feeling good about giving 100%. That 100% varies from day to day, some days is lower and some days is higher, but on any given day, you give 100%. And you can appreciate yourself for always giving 100%. This patient said he did not believe the coping skills I suggested would help him, but he did them anyway, and he was surprised by the help he received!
And, I met with a patient who was eager for help, and ready to try anything! He said he tried the suggestion we gave him to improve his sleep, and it did! He studied the stress management, relaxation and anger management materials he was given, and he realized that he did not have to solve his problems with verbal arguments and physical fights.
Okay, so a couple of weeks ago, I basically chastised several patients who really do not need hospitalization, have done nothing to help themselves, and are taking up beds needed by sicker patients. I told them that my vote for treatment team was discharge.
Since then, I have seen an increase in requests to review the self-help therapy materials we distribute. And an increase in these kind of positive comments.
And, before I did the chastising, one of the patients in that category told me he was working on the materials (on my dare) and was surprised that it helped!
So, these patients might be "blowing smoke" at me, and not really buying into the self help program we provide. But even if they are "faking it till they make it" they are getting something out of the program.
This is why I do what I do. Many of my colleagues who have been at the facility where I have worked almost 20 years, many who have been there less, talk regularly about the fact that they cannot wait to be eligible for retirement. Many admit to being burned out. Some often ask me how I keep fresh after almost 20 years, and I tell them it is my commitment to do 100% at whatever level that is, and the satisfaction that gives me that keeps me going. And, I acknowledge that I have my highs and lows, and need breaks and need to be revitalized. But I take revitalization in the small things.
I admit that there are other things, than work, that I want to do in life, but that is what annual leave is for. When I get this kind of feedback from my patients, and even my colleagues that I was instrumental in helping them, I know I am doing what I need to do to be helping mankind, one person at a time.
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